Raúl Castro Indicted for 1996 Shoot-Down of American Pilots

Senator Ashley Moody, R-Fla., discussed the indictment of Raúl Castro on charges of murder and conspiracy connected to the 1996 destruction of two civilian aircraft. These planes were operated by the Cuban exile group Brothers to the Rescue. This discussion took place on ‘Sunday Night in America.’

The former Cuban leader recently appeared on state television during a celebration of the Interior Ministry in Havana. This was his first public appearance following the unsealing of the indictment by the Department of Justice.

Castro stands accused of conspiracy to kill U.S. nationals, destruction of aircraft, and four counts of murder. These charges stem from the February 1996 incident when two civilian planes were reportedly shot down by Cuban military aircraft, resulting in the deaths of Carlos Costa, Armando Alejandre Jr., Mario de la Peña, and Pablo Morales.

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At age 95, Castro was seen publicly last on May Day in Havana, shortly before the indictment was revealed. His previous public appearance in January honored Cuban soldiers who died during a U.S. military operation capturing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

The indictment came amid escalating tensions in the Caribbean, partly due to statements by Trump and his allies that hinted at possible changes in Cuba’s leadership. Donald Trump has praised the indictment, stressing that many Cuban Americans have long awaited such accountability.

Trump mentioned the indictment’s significance: “We have big news on Cuba, as you know, with the indictment of Castro. A lot of people have suffered significantly.” He assured that tensions with Cuba would not escalate further.

Following the indictment, some drew parallels with the U.S. approach toward Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela. Similar strategies included pressing sanctions and indictments to apply pressure. Christine Balling, a Cuba expert, noted, “Symbolically, Raúl Castro is now set up just as Nicolás Maduro was.”

The indictment sends a strong message of U.S. support for the fall of the Castro regime.